I'm talking overwhelmed as a symptom, a sensation. Not overwhelmed by a specific situation, but chronic... overwhelmsion? Overwhelmation? Overwhelmism? Overwhelmth?

It's right up there for me with fatigue, cog fog, etc. Just a generalized feeling of being overwhelmed. You know, the feeling that you just can't deal?

That's another one that's almost impossible to describe to John Q. Public. I can barely explain it to myself. It doesn't have to be a lot of things at once, it doesn't have to be something bad, it doesn't even have to be something I even KNOW about. I just feel overwhelmed, and want to crawl back under my rock.

I know what you're talking about, B2Y.

How can we explain it to others when we don't even fully understand it ourselves?!

Sometimes it just feels like I cannot tolerate one more thing.....but then I stop and realize that I really am not dealing with anything out of the ordinary to begin with! It's just that feeling of "too much". I know what you're saying....and I can't explain it any better, either!

I get overwhelmed as an sx too. Seems like everyone wants an answer, does not understand the sx emotion.

I'd so like to come up with a different term for it that people could relate to (non-MSers, I mean), but so far haven't. Nothing else quite describes it.

"Sorry, I can't go, I'm feeling overwhelmed right now."
"Overwhelmed by what?"
"I don't know."
"Well, can you cut back on some of the things you do?"
"I don't do anything."
"Then why are you overwhelmed?"
"Bite me."

I am a non-MSer but I do understand. Some people with CMT, feel overwhelmed as well. I know I do. I can relate to just about everything you listed.

My friend with fibro, and a friend with Lyme get it also. Sadly.

I would put it right up there with Anxiety. Perhaps it's sidekick..

God Bless whoever invented Prozac..etc..

I will not allow anyone to demand things of me anymore or let them overwhelm me, by daring to ask me to be normal.

I hear Ya, Blessings.

After reading this thread in great analytical detail, I can safely say you have a severe case of chronic/acute overwhemingismitis to include occasional bouts of overwhemingnesstosis.

I too have experienced this at many times on many levels and can range from a cause of many things to actually just one specific thing depending on the timing.

However, there is both a temporary and eventual permanent cure for such a situation. It's very simple, but not easy. But nothing worthwhile ever is, right?

Step 1: When faced with this situation, simply say, "Screw it!"

Step 2: Should step 1 not be successful, simply say and make it very clear to everyone associated around you, "I don't give a $h#t!" Followed by a serious dose of "Just do it!"

Step 3: If steps 1 and/or 2 are not effective, simple ask and answer to yourself, "What is the absolute worse that can happen if I _______?

There you go! It works every time for me and I have the added benefit of being a person much easier to live with. Who knew?

I think I have been experiencing this. I know my daughter seems to think I should not be overwhelmed, as I do not work or even get out much. Just the thought of making the trip to Portland to see my grandson can feel overwhelming, even though it is something I greatly enjoy. I rather hate the feeling that I am becoming inflexible (like sleeping in my own bed, need my familiar surroundings to feel comfortable, etc.) because just ten years ago I loved adventure and welcomed challenge and difficult tasks. It was just 13 years ago that I was camping in the snow in the Olympics for a week-end, hiking the ridges and helping a friend trim trees for the forest service. And 15 years ago I was climbing mountains. And now going shopping is something I often have to psyche myself up for!

But sometimes, like you say, there is no trigger for the feeling of being overwhelmed. It just comes on like a chill, or tiredness.

I am having a flare up of overwhelmeditis. I am now unable to read my email, and hear the TV in the other room. its just too many things at the same time. My to do list grows by the minute and its getting heavy to carry. I just want to slap my hands over my ears, tuck my head into my lap and sing "LA LA LA LAH I cant hear you!" I want the world to just STOP! I want to get off and rest!"

I never considered this a sx before. it does make sense tho.